The Longest Day by Cornelious Ryan
1959 / 277 pgs. (88,000) Miliary & War, History

6th June 1944, the invasion of Europe by the Allies at Normandy, France, also marks the end of the German occupation of Europe. On 6th May 1945, the war in Europe would be over. This book is a narration of the events of that historical day. The Longest Day is not as detailed as Six Armies in Normandy, butit is still an excellent narration that does not disappoint. The movie The Longest Day is based on this book; as one reads it, much was captured in the movie as narrated. Mr. Ryan breaks down the event into three parts.

Part One – The Wait    

The wait starts two days before the invasion. The story focuses on Rommel trying to secure the beachhead as he knew that if he could stop the attack there, it would spell out a disaster for the Allies and set them back. Eisenhower made many decisions about when the invasion would start based on weather reports that were never good for the conditions the allies would prefer—also, the long wait for the troops as they waited for the order. What is interesting is the details mentioned that many other books leave out. For example, Rommel was going to meet Hitler on 6th June to convince the Feurer to release the Panzers in Pas-de-Calais, for Rommel knew they were the best chance for the Germans to stop the invasion force. Another detail was Operation Gambit, the British minisubs X30 and X32 sitting off the coast to help guide the landing craft to the beach.

Part Two – The Night

The beginning of the invasion. The landing of the Paratroopers from the British and American forces, many of them were scattered all over Normandy during the night drops. Many British landed in the swamps and were never found. The landing at St-Mere-Eglis with the Germans shooting at the 82nd as troopers descended into the town and illuminated by the fire the French were trying to extinguish. Even the Paratrooper that landed on the church and had to listen to the bells clang all night until the Germans finally lowered us. Gliders landing and crashing with troops on board. The taking of Pegasus Bridge by the British.

Part Three – The Day

This is the moment that most people know: the invasion of the beach. Ryan describes the E-Boat attack that sunk the Norwegian Destroyer Svenner—the sinking of the USS Corry by a sea mine. The LST and Higgens boats challenged landing on the beach. At Utah Beach, the troops disembarked at the wrong spot, and Gen Roosevelt said infamously, “We’ll start the war from right here!” How the British and Canadians faced less resistance. The fight at Omaha Beach was the bloodiest part of the invasion.

Like many writings about historical events, this book has parts other books do not mention, like Operation Gambit. It is less detailed than Six Armies in Normandy or At Dawn We Slept. It is still a great read, and if anyone asks for a delightful book about D-Day, I recommend The Longest Day.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka